In the aftermath of the death of Andrew Wood, lead singer of alternative rock bands Malfunkshun and Mother Love Bone, a supergroup was formed in tribute called Temple of the Dog and they released an album of the same name. Soundgarden's front man Chris Cornell had been Andrew Woods’ roommate previously, and wrote several songs inspired by Wood. After returning to Seattle from a tour with Soundgarden, Cornell approached Stone Gossard (rhythm guitar) and Jeff Arment (bass) of Mother Love Bone about collaborating. Temple of the dog was rounded out with Mike McCready (guitar), Matt Cameron (drums), and another singer — Eddie Vedder, who was in town to audition with a group soon to be known as Pearl Jam.
Temple of the Dog was recorded in 15 days at the end of 1990, and totally produced by the band. There were no expectations from the record company, making the recording process a lot more relaxed for band members. The album was released in April 1991 and initially sold 70,000 copies. After the artists split company, going to Soundgarden and the newly-formed Pearl Jam, the record company realized that this collaboration between the two bands was a real gem, and they gave the album new interest with promotion in the summer of 1992.
In retrospect the album and collaboration would receive much critical praise, but the most important aspect of the project was that the group agreed that Andy Wood would have really liked the songs.
We hope you enjoy this early grunge collaboration.
Say Hello 2 Heaven
This was a single from the album and one of two songs Chris Cornell wrote in tribute to Andrew Wood while he was on tour with Soundgarden. Cornell's vocals are distinctive, though this song is a bit of a departure from what you would typically hear from grunge in general and Soundgarden in particular.
Reach Down
This blues-inspired song is perhaps a deeper cut from the album, and is the second song Cornell wrote as a tribute to Wood while on tour before forming Temple of the Dog. It is the second track on the album and contains a long guitar solo tribute from Mike McCready.
Pushin' Forward Back
This driving song in 7/4 time is the second single released from the album, and it has a proto-Pearl Jam feel to it. "Gracious mother held me to her breast until the day I started pushin'."
Hunger Strike
Perhaps the most popular song on the album, this single is a duet between Cornell and Vedder. The lyrics are an anti-capitalist rant against want. The song and video was re-released after the popularity of Pearl Jam was established.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from the television series "Dinosaurs"
This family-oriented sitcom was released by Jim Henson productions, and had puppets and people dressed as dinosaurs.
STAFF PICKS:
“Groovy Train” by The Farm
Wayne takes us to one of his favorite music spots, Manchester, for this staff pick. The Farm were actually from Liverpool, and the song reached number 6 on the UK charts. This was the first single from their debut album, Spartacus.
“Lift Me Up” by Yes
Rob demonstrates once again that all roads lead to Yes, in this case a lot of members of Yes. The song is from the album Union, and it was their last hit single. Unfortunately, although Arista records was able to bring the group back together, they just couldn't stay together. The song is about a homeless person seeking help.
“Just the Way It Is, Baby” by The Rembrandts
Bruce's staff pick features a duo of Danny Wilde and Phil Solem. This Rembrandts hit tells the story of a girl who is just using a boy. When she realizes her mistake later on the tables are turned, because the boy has moved on. The Rembrandts are best known for the theme song to the television series "Friends."
“Show Me the Way” by Styx
Brian finishes the staff picks this week with a late hit from Styx while Dennis DeYoung was in and Tommy Shaw was out. This song was penned by DeYoung as a prayer during a crisis of faith. It went to number 3 on the charts, giving Styx hits across three decades. .
LAUGH TRACK:
“Ordinary Average Guy” by Joe Walsh
Joe Walsh parodies his earlier hit “Life's Been Good,” with a song about living a boring, average, ordinary life.
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